SB2853 Summary

• Creates the Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Corporation as a separate entity to assume powers and duties of the Department of Revenue regarding alcoholic beverage warehousing and distribution, effective July 1, 2024.

• Establishes a five-member Board of Directors (three appointed by Governor, two by Lieutenant Governor with Senate advice and consent) with an appointed President subject to Governor approval; board meetings subject to open meetings requirements.

• Transfers existing warehouse and distribution contracts to the corporation while maintaining the three-tier regulatory system; corporation responsible for purchasing and selling alcoholic beverages at uniform statewide prices.

• Requires the corporation to maintain financial records, undergo annual independent audits, file quarterly/annual reports with state officials, and submit annual operating budgets to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.

• Amends numerous sections of Title 67 (Alcoholic Beverages) and Title 27 (Taxation) to replace references to the Department of Revenue with the Corporation throughout alcoholic beverage permitting, licensing, and tax collection provisions.